India Should Not Play Pakistan At International Events, Says Former Captain

The Asia Cup T20 2025 schedule was announced on July 26 (Saturday). The eight-team tournament will begin on September 9, and the final will be played on September 28 - all played in the UAE. However, the biggest and most-awaited match in the tournament will be the India-Pakistan tie, which is slated to be played on September 14.

Former India captain Mohammad Azharuddin believes the two teams, who do not engage in bilateral matches, should not play at international tournaments as well.

“I always say that everything should happen, or if it does not happen, then it should not happen at all. If you're not playing bilateral matches, then you shouldn't play international events too — that's what I believe,” Azharuddin said, according to Timesnownews.com.

India have not played any bilateral matches against Pakistan since 2012, due to the continuous clashes at the border over the years. The two countries have, however, played in every ICC and ACC event. In the Asia Cup 2025, the two neighbours can play each other as many as three times. 

India are the defending Asia Cup champions, having won the tournament in 2023. However, Sri Lanka won the 2022 edition, which was also played in a T20 format.